Second man dies after Longford wall collapse

A second man has died after a 40ft wall collapsed at a DIY store in Longford town.

It is understood the two men are customers in their late 40s and mid 60s.

Four others are being treated in hospital after being injured in the accident at the Connaught Gold DIY and Garden Centre.

Up to 10 ambulances, four fire engines and gardaí from across the region rushed to the scene of the accident shortly after 2pm.

The Health and Safety Authority has launched an investigation.

Speaking from the scene of the accident tonight, the Chief Executive of Connacht Gold, Aaron Forde said:

“With further sad news that a second visitor to our Connacht Gold store in Longford has now passed away following an accident at the store today, the board, management and staff of Connacht Gold Co-op expresses deepest sympathy to the families. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

“We express our sympathy and our support to the other visitors and employees who suffered injury as a result of the accident. We are also providing counselling to those visitors and employees in the store who were affected by this accident.

“Safety is a primary concern for Connacht Gold and we are working in every way with the emergency services, the Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority in establishing the cause of the accident. Connacht Gold opened the store in the leased premises just over nine months ago. We await the outcome of the official investigations into this tragic accident.